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If you’re experiencing sticker shock after seeing the price of theme park tickets, you may be wondering if it is possible to plan a cheap Orlando vacation. Tickets, lodging, food, transportation can make a significant dent in your vacation budget. Taking a cheap vacation is possible if you are willing to make a few sacrifices while arranging your Florida trip.

Step 1

Make a ticket price chart and include information on prices of tickets available at park gates, tickets pre-ordered from theme park websites and tickets available from other sources, such as AAA. Use the chart to decide which tickets offer you the most days in theme parks at the lowest cost.

Step 2

Compare the cost of theme park hotels with non-theme park hotels or vacation condos and homes when deciding where to stay in Orlando. Offsite hotels may offer lower rates and more space than hotels at Universal Orlando Resort or Walt Disney World. OrlandoInfo.com offers a listing of hotels, condos and homes available in the area. Accommodation prices may be lower if you book in advance.

Step 3

Select one of the less popular times of the year when planning your visit. According to FamilyFun.com, hotel prices may be lower at both on- and off-site hotels during these times. Planning your visit to coincide with the times when most children are in school, such as in mid-September or January, can significantly reduce your lodging costs. Crowds may also be lower at these times.

Step 4

Develop several easy-to-prepare menus if you will be staying in a vacation condo or home with a kitchen. Preparing your own meals is much cheaper than eating at restaurants. Preparing menus and a shopping list before your trip will make shopping quick and easy when you arrive in Orlando.

Step 5

Pencil in a day at one of Orlando’s less expensive attractions when planning your visit. Water parks, such as Walt Disney World’s Blizzard Beach or Aquatica, offer fun at lower prices than theme parks. Gatorland offers a 110-acre alligator-oriented park close to Orlando’s other attractions.

Tips

If it wouldn’t be a vacation without staying at a Walt Disney World resort hotel, check the Disney World website and your newspaper for discounts.

Reduce your food costs when dining at theme park restaurants by planning a late lunch at a sit-down restaurant. Lunch and dinner menus may be very similar, but lunch prices are often cheaper. Making lunch the biggest meal of the day, rather than dinner, can save money and allow you to eat when restaurants are quieter and less crowded. If you are too full for dinner after eating a large lunch, you can skip the evening meal.

Ask if your company offers any theme park discounts before buying tickets elsewhere.

Resources

About the Author

Working at a humane society allowed Jill Leviticus to combine her business management experience with her love of animals. Leviticus has a journalism degree from Lock Haven University, has written for Nonprofit Management Report, Volunteer Management Report and Healthy Pet, and has worked in the healthcare field.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.